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Read the following about A Gibbs' Zone plays:

Groundswell: the NFL's top defensive minds can't stop the rushing scheme that powers the Broncos and Falcons.
Here's why it's so confoundingly successful
Paul Attner

It is the winter after his first season as Broncos coach and Mike Shanahan is troubled. His running game is not as
dominant as he would like, with too many negative plays. And he's concerned that the finesse aspects of his West
Coast offense are not projecting the image he desires for his team. So he and Alex Gibbs, his offensive line coach
and friend, devise something uniquely their own--a curiously different run approach that calls for zone blocking
built on a foundation of toughness and physicality.

Ten years later, the brilliance of their creation is at its peak. The running scheme born from their talented minds
drives the NFL's two top rushing teams. The Broncos and Falcons are grinding toward franchise-record running
seasons, their playoff desires grounded firmly in the intricacies of the league's most devilish and intriguing method
of line blocking.

For the Falcons, their success on the ground follows a 2004 season in which Gibbs, in his first and only year as
their full-time line coach, transformed Atlanta's running game from mediocre to No. 1 in the league. It's a status
the team has maintained this season with a 177.8 yards-per-game average that projects as the NFL's highest in 35
years. For the Broncos, their running prowess offers them a potential ball control solution to overcoming the Colts
in January.

The effectiveness of this rushing scheme is fascinating, considering all the analysis it has endured by the best
defensive minds the league could offer. These clubs have the NFL's two smallest lines--both average less than 300
pounds--and neither has a player atop the rushing standings. Yet Atlanta has gained 200 or more yards in five
games, and Denver's 162.7-yard average projects to the highest of the 11-year Shanahan era, during which the
Broncos have the most running yards of any NFL franchise.

This season, the two teams also are 1-2 in two important and revealing categories: yards per carry (each averages
more than 5.0) and lowest percentage of attempts resulting in lost yards.

Let's embark on an exploration to uncover the secrets behind this Bronco Scheme, an approach that doesn't pull
guards and tackles, doesn't employ the counter trey and doesn't feature many traps or draws yet is so amazingly
successful

The first time Falcons running back Warrick Dunn tries to be creative by making a couple of moves before cutting
into a hole, he hears the voice of Gibbs. "One cut downhill ... one cut downhill," Gibbs screams. It was Dunn's
introduction last season to the demanding details of the Bronco Scheme. "There is just one way to do everything
they ask," he says. "Or you don't play."
Denver and Atlanta don't have many running plays. The Broncos, for example, might bring no more than 12 into a
game. But the success of the scheme is not tied to quantity; it excels because of the ability of the offense to
execute with precision the exacting requirements of each of these few plays. Behind all of it has been the bellowing
of Gibbs, first in Denver and now in Atlanta, where he serves this season as a consultant who spends a few days
each week with the team. This 5-7 bundle of passion, vulgarity and brilliance--his players joke he is Napoleon on
speed--mixes demeaning authoritarianism and an incredible grasp of the concepts into success. An eccentric
football genius with a doctorate in education, he crashed and burned in Denver in 2000, finally needing psychiatric
help and medication.

Yet Gibbs became Jim Mora's most important hire as a rookie head coach in 2004. No NFL rushing method could
make better use of Michael Vick's talents, considering how the Bronco Scheme, with its focus on inside runs,
functions best with the bona fide outside threat of quarterback bootlegs.

"To make their system complete, you need to fear the quarterback running that boot to your weak side," Bucs
linebackers coach Joe Barry says. "With Atlanta, you have a freaking rocket ship coming out of there at
quarterback. The whole scheme is a bitch to defend. Both teams don't do a lot. So no matter what the defense
does, they are able to practice against it because they aren't bogging down their players with too many runs." It's
what Redskins defensive line coach Greg Blache calls the "Colonel Sanders" philosophy: "They do one thing well;
they do chicken right." But having Vick gives the Falcons the edge over Denver in rushing. He has 470 yards this
season after gaining 902 yards--the third most by a quarterback in NFL history--in 2004.

Yet the Bronco Scheme doesn't need a Vick to excel. Shanahan has produced five different 1,000-yard rushers--
most of whom have been low-round draft choices--including 1995 sixth-round pick Terrell Davis, who gained 2,008
yards in 1998. Run Dayne, a flop with the Giants, set up the winning field goal against Dallas on Thanksgiving with
a 55-yard overtime run. "He is a 1,000-yard rusher in our system as a starter," says Shanahan matter-of-factly.
Oh, yes, Dayne is a third-string back. In Atlanta, Dunn, who rushed for 1,106 yards last season, already has
accumulated 1,174 this fall, a career high for the ninth-year veteran.

So it's the system, not the backs, right? Not really. The Broncos never sign a jitterbug back whose instincts push
him toward multiple fakes and ad-lib scrambles. Dunn had those tendencies pre-Gibbs; to function in the system,
he has transformed himself. He now is a one-cut runner whose goal on every carry is to avoid negative yards. So if
there is no hole, he plows ahead anyway. "We're taught to gain at least a blade of grass on every attempt," says
Falcons fullback Fred McCrary. If you are indecisive and unwilling to be tough and run downhill, you won't run for
these teams.

Still, it is what happens up front, among the athletic, quick and, for the NFL, small linemen that makes the Bronco
Scheme different and so effective. To uncover why, we need to go to the videotape.

On the huge screen is a football choreography contrary to anything you'd anticipate about this most muscular of
sports. In lock step, linemen move: shoulders square, in perfect balance, sliding effortlessly down the scrimmage
line, nearly 1,500 pounds of nimbleness--a dance of intricacy and precision.

These images, on this large screen within the headquarters of NFL Films, display the foundation of all that has been
dominant about the Bronco Scheme. Before T.J. Duckett or Mike Anderson can gain a yard, their linemen must first
become Baryshnikovs in shoulder pads, drilled to work in unison, geared to frustrate defenders unable to crack the
formidable barrier presented by this picket fence in motion.

Several years ago, Denver's linemen had another term to describe their meticulousness.

Trained seals.

Here on the screen, the current Broncos linemen are working against the Redskins' defense. The usual NFL
approach to run blocking is macho-oriented. You take on opponents man-to-man, firing straight into them alone or
in tandem with a teammate, with the goal to knock them up the field, away from the line and apart from each
other. The ultimate triumph of this mentality is the pancake block--sending the defender onto his derriere. But the
Bronco Scheme is based on zone blocking, in which you worry about protecting an area and the defenders who
intrude into it. The movement is lateral, not straight ahead. The pivotal word here is stretch--the linemen want to
stretch the field and force the defense to run laterally with them. The more it stretches, the more creases open for
the running back.

On virtually every stretch play, you will see multiple double-teams by the linemen--what they call a "hat and one-
half" on each down defender. The heads of the linemen are always up; they are constantly looking, moving. Once
the double-teamed defender is under control, one of the Broncos' linemen will split away seamlessly and move to
the next zone, the next opponent, lending help to another teammate. Or he will scurry to the next level to hunt
down linebackers and safeties. On the backside, away from the direction of the running back, the linemen
frequently use cut blocks--blocks aimed at the thighs and rolled to the feet--to knock down defenders and limit
pursuit. It is a controversial block--defensive players hate it because it attacks their legs--but it is legal and has a
purpose.

"You knock down a 330-pound nose tackle for three quarters and he is really tired in the fourth," says FOX and
SPORTING NEWS analyst Brian Baldinger, a former NFL lineman and our videotape guide on this day. "So all of a
sudden he is too fatigued to make the same tackle he made in the first half. And that 3-yard run becomes a 30-
yarder." So the Bronco Scheme preaches patience. "It is a philosophy," says Mora. "You have to stay with the run
and not abandon it. You have to have the mentality that the big plays will happen, that the big holes will be there."
On third-and-5 or -6, when most teams pass, these two clubs just as often run, frequently from three-receiver
sets. The Falcons average almost 35 carries a game, the Broncos 33. The rest of the league averages 27.

It is so maddening and methodical, this unrelenting stretch-the-field approach. "They block everything so it looks
like an outside run, but it's not," says Dolphins middle linebacker Zach Thomas. "They're not trying to get to the
edge; they are trying to run between the tackles. But they're moving the line sideways and waiting for you to
commit. It's tough because everything you're taught to do on an outside run is to attack, and you have to fight
your instincts." Because if a defender attacks, that's when he's nudged out of the way and the runner cuts into the
resulting hole. Or, if the defense really overpursues, he cuts dramatically, in back of everyone. And that's when the
scheme's emphasis on cutting down backside pursuit and sending linemen upfield to help receivers block
linebackers and defensive backs leads to long gains.

"If we are running it well, you can hear defensive guys muttering to themselves in the fourth quarter," Falcons
right guard Kynan Forney says. "They are tired, they don't want to tackle anymore. Basically, they lose life; you
can feel it."

To constantly move sideways and stay in front of defenders requires players with quickness and athleticism. Both
franchises have found these linemen mostly in the lower rounds; five of the 10 starters were picked after the
fourth round, and another, Denver left tackle Matt Lepsis, was an undrafted college tight end. But the Bronco
Scheme allows someone such as Denver center Tom Nalen (6-3, 286) to become a dominant player, a potential
Hall of Famer.

"They play with a great awareness," Baldinger says. "They don't block guys who have no chance of making a play.
And they give a defense so much to think about: the stretch, the cutback, the bootleg, the reverse. It slows
defenses down, makes them have to play perfect on every snap."

It also is why Shanahan was eager to bring in Jake Plummer to replace slow-footed Brian Griese at quarterback
two years ago. With Griese, the bootleg part of the scheme disappeared; with Plummer, it has returned with a
flourish.

"It takes smart people to play this system," former Broncos lineman David Diaz-Infante says. "The guys are so
good at knowing who to block. If a defense gives you an eight-man front or stunts or blitzes, the guys know how
their assignment changes, and they make the changes immediately as the play is evolving on the field. That's why
they are so sound play after play."

But the linemen also function within a strange code of conduct formulated by Gibbs, who boycotts the media. In
both Denver and Atlanta, usually only one lineman gives interviews. Otherwise, an internal kangaroo court fines
linemen even for having their name mentioned in stories. "It's all part of what you learn as a young lineman,"
Broncos right tackle George Foster says. "There is a standard on and off the field, and you are expected to live up
to it. Otherwise, you don't last." Even current line coaches Rick Dennison in Denver and Jeff Jagodzinski in Atlanta
buy into the silence. Jagodzinski, in his first season as line coach, still is learning from Gibbs. But Dennison, who
has a masters in civil engineering, has excelled since replacing Gibbs. "I don't think I have been with a coach as
bright as he is," Shanahan says.

What also hasn't changed is the difficulty of neutralizing the Bronco Scheme. Familiarity helps. Division rival Tampa
plays the Falcons twice a season and has found that its own quickness has created problems for Atlanta's offense.
But for teams such as the Jaguars, who have played Denver the past two seasons, preparation for the scheme is
more taxing. "What the scheme does," says Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith, "is force you to be solid in
gap integrity. They want to get two of their guys in the gap, and we can't let them do that or it opens up a run
lane. They want to push you sideways, by the hole. So you have to be disciplined and have your color uniform in
each gap. Then they give you all the window dressing with different formations and motion and all, and you have
to cut through that, too."

If you have a defensive front such as Jacksonville's, which is strong and athletic enough to push upfield and cut
into the lateral flow, suddenly the picket fence breaks. You don't want gap penetrators but rather gap maintainers
who can shove the Bronco Scheme linemen backward. Still, so far this season, no team has held Atlanta under 115
yards rushing, and its average per game is 10.8 yards higher than last year's club record. Since two sub-100-yard
rushing games to open the schedule, the Broncos have gained no fewer than 121 yards, and there is a chance
Anderson and Tatum Bell might become the first backs under Shanahan to each gain 1,000 in the same season.

"You may not win championships because you run the ball well," says Shanahan, owner of two Super Bowl rings,
"but it certainly gives you a better chance than if you can't."
Northwestern State University's
ZONE BLOCKING PRINCIPLES

By Chris Truax
Offensive Line Coach & Running Game Coordinator
Northwestern State University

Zone blocking occurs when two offensive linemen are responsible for blocking two defenders in a certain area
towards the point of attack. The purpose of using the zone blocking scheme is to stop penetration, create
movement on Level I (build a wall) and also seal off the onside linebacker. All zone blocks initially start out as an
inside-out double team. As movement begins, either the outside blocker or inside blocker will gain control over the
defender on Level I, allowing the other blocker to come off the block to handle the linebacker. In this type of
blocking scheme, it is critical to create movement on Level I before coming off for the linebacker.

A. Inside Blocker - (Offensive lineman covered by a linebacker or uncovered.) Take a short lead step with near foot
aiming for a point inside the hip of the defender aligned on the next offensive blocker and play side. We refer to
this step as a zone step. As the inside blocker takes this zone step, it is important to read the movement of the
linebacker. If the linebacker “Fast Flows,” you explode up under the defensive lineman with both hands. Upon
making contact, whip your arms and move your feet like pistons working to get movement up the field. If the
linebacker “Slow Flows,” punch and push off the defender with one hand and explode to the LB as you approach his
level. Sometimes LB’ers are “Fast Flow” by alignment. We must be alert to this situation. Inside blocker must use
two hands.

B. Outside Blocker - (Offensive lineman covered by a down lineman.) The outside blocker must read the alignment
of the defender aligned on him so he can hit the proper landmark and initially create the movement on level one. If
the defender is aligned outside eye or shoulder, the outside blocker will step with his near foot, aiming his head
gear for the outside number. If the defender is aligned head up he will step with his outside foot, aiming his
headgear under the chin of the defender. If he is aligned inside eye or shoulder, he will read step with his outside
foot to block the outside number of the defender. If the defender loops-out or locks-on, we want the outside
blocker to maintain contact and work the defender off the LOS.

This movement off the LOS is important in zone blocking principles. If this defender remains inside of you, continue
to drive and maintain contact – once you are forced off by the inside blocker now you can look for the scraping
linebacker on Level 2. If the defender aligned on you slants inside – punch and push off the defender and explode
to 2nd level when the linebacker crosses your face. Block the linebacker by exploding up through his play side
armpit, using a good drive block technique. Remember – we want movement first. When we come off to the
second level we will take the linebacker anywhere we can.
The following calls are the different zone-type blocks between offensive linemen at the point of attack:

1. “Single” zone blocking between the center and onside guard is necessary in order to handle the defensive tackle
and middle linebacker. The onside guard will make the call when the defensive tackle is aligned head up or inside
eye or shoulder on alignment. This call is to reaffirm the blocking assignment.

There are two types of “Single” blocks. The one in the diagram is a power single used on off tackle plays. The
landmark is the play side number. The other one is used for wide plays and will be called a “Single.” The principles
are the same except the landmark will be the outside armpit of the down lineman. If the defensive tackle is in a “1”
or a “2” technique, the guard will read step with the play side foot. If the defensive tackle is in a “3” Technique he
will step with the play side foot, aiming at the play side armpit on the “Single”.

2. “Double” zone blocking between the onside guard and onside tackle is necessary in order to handle the
defensive end and inside (onside) linebacker. The onside tackle will make the call when the defensive end is
aligned head up or inside eye or shoulder alignment. The onside tackle will alert the onside guard to possible
“Double” by making either a 4 or 4-1 call or a double call. Double Blocking Scheme will entail two types of zone
blocking – either a “Power Double” or “Double.” In order to determine which type of zone blocking we will use on a
“double” will depend upon the hole we are attacking.

A. “Power Double” (4 or 4-1 Call) - used on inside zone plays. Onside tackle will read the alignment of the
defensive end. If he is aligned in a 5-technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will block the defender with a play side
step with his near foot to the outside number. No call will be made. If he is aligned in a 4-technique (head up) he
will make a 4 Call and take a read step at the middle of the defender to block the defender under the chin. If the
defender is aligned in a 4-1 Technique (inside eye or shoulder) he will make a 4-1 call and step with his play side
foot to block his outside number. Stay tight to the defender. Remember, we want first level movement.

B.”Double” - used on outside zone plays. Onside tackle will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned
in 5-Technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will drive on the outside armpit with his near foot – no call will be
made. If he is aligned in a 4 or 4-1 alignment, make a 4 or 4-1 call. Take an outside release with the play side foot
to the outside armpit – whip your inside arm and shoulder up into the defender – bump off by getting width on
your next step and explode to second level to seal or drive block the scrape off linebacker.

3. “Triple” zone blocking between the onside tackle and tight end is necessary in order to handle the defensive end
and onside linebacker. The tackle will make the call to the TE. The TE will alert the tackles to where the defensive
end is aligned, head up or inside eye or shoulder on alignment. The tight end will alert the onside tackle of the
defensive end by making either a 6 or 7 call. Triple Blocking Scheme will entail two types of zone blocking – either
a Power Triple or a Triple. In order to determine which type of zone blocking we will use on “Triple” will depend
upon the hole we are attacking.

A. “Power Triple” (6 or 7 call) - used Inside Zone plays. Tight end will read the alignment of the defensive end. If
he is aligned in a 9-Technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will block a point up the defender's outside number –
no call will be made. If he is aligned in a 6-Technique (head up), he will make a 6 call and step with his play side
foot to lock the defender under the chin. If the defender is aligned in a 7-Technique (inside eye or shoulder) he will
make a 7 call and step with his play side foot to block the outside number.

B. “Triple” - used on outside zone plays. Tight end will read the alignment of the defensive end. If he is aligned in a
9-Technique (outside eye or shoulder) he will drive on the outside armpit – no call will be made. If he is aligned in
a 6 or 7 alignment he will make a call – take an outside release by using a short outside step – to the outside
armpit, whip your arm and shoulder up to the defender – bump off by getting width on your next step. Then
explode to second level to seal or drive block the scrape-off linebacker.

About the author

Chris Truax